Hearty Minestrone

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Hot or Mild Italian Sausage
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 each Large onion -- chopped
• 3 each Large cloves garlic -- chopped
• 5 cups Chicken stock
• 1 can 28 oz tomatoes -- chopped
• 1 package 10 oz frozen spinach -- chop
• 1 1/2 cups Sliced carrots
• 1 1/2 cups Frozen cut beans
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Marjoram
• 1 pinch Hot Pepper Flakes
• 1 can 19 oz Romano beans
• 3/4 cup Small shell pasta

Preparation:

• Prick the skins of the sausages, place in a saucepan and cover with water.
• Bring to a boil, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked.
• Drain, cut into slices.
• In a large saucepan or dutch kettle, heat oil and lightly brown the sausage slices.
• Add the onions and garlic, cook 2 - 3 minutes until softened.
• Add the chicken stock, chopped tomatoes including juice, frozen spinach, carrots, beans, basil, marjoram and red pepper flakes.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender.
• Add the romano beans including liquid, and the pasta and peas.
• Let simmer 5 ~ 7 minutes more or until pasta is al dente - tender but firm.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
• Thin soup with additional chicken stock (if you wish).
• Ladle soup into heated bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.